It’s almost Thanksgiving, which means that it’s time to write down everything I’m grateful for. Each year, I sit down on Thanksgiving Day and make a list of the things I can’t live without. It’s a tradition that I’ve adhered to for as long as I can remember, and I love doing it.
My Wife, Son, and Cooper
This year—as with every year—I’m grateful for my wife and son. When I married my wife nearly twenty years ago, I could never have imagined how much she would impact my life. We’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all, we’ve grown closer, and have always overcome challenges. I’m so lucky to have her and could never have found a better partner!
My son is the light of my life and makes me laugh every day. He’s also one of the most thoughtful people I know. He always considers other people’s feelings, and often puts their needs before his own!
I’m also extraordinarily thankful for Cooper, our beagle. We’ve had him for five years, and he is just about the sweetest dog in the world. He keeps us company in the living room while we watch movies, and I swear he actually understands them! He’s probably the smartest dog out there. Beagles are certainly good dogs for the family!
My Parents
I couldn’t be more grateful for my parents. My mother has always been a very passionate woman, and when I was a child, she instilled in me a strong work ethic. She was the one who pushed me toward my goals, and always encouraged me to do my best with a smile.
My dad, on the other hand, taught me the importance of kindness and compassion, especially toward those who are less fortunate. In my opinion, he has impacted my life the most out of anyone I’ve ever known, and I will always be thankful for his wisdom.
Getting to See My Family
Every Thanksgiving, my extended family gets together to eat dinner, laugh, and smile. I always look forward to spending the holiday with them; there’s nothing as fun or exciting! Spending this valuable time with them is a true blessing that not everyone gets to have.
My mom is an amazing cook—she spends hours in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving feasts that are truly unmatched. Her turkey is to die for, and her side dishes are always on point: the green bean casserole, the candied yams, the mashed potatoes . . . all of it is perfect! And don’t even get me started on the special pie she bakes. If you have a sweet tooth like me, her pumpkin pie is an absolute necessity. Oh, the flavors!
Unfortunately, with all the difficulties of the last few years, my family hasn’t been able to get together. Although this put a damper on everyone’s spirits, we all understood that it was better to be safe than sorry. This year, though, things are looking up, and we’re all meeting at my mom’s house for the holidays. I couldn’t be more thrilled—and ready to eat!
Spending Time with Them
Every Thanksgiving, we unwind after dinner with some TV in the living room. There are always exciting specials on, and we particularly enjoy watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games (go Jets!). We talk about all sorts of things and catch up on each other’s lives, and the whole house fills with chatter and laughter.
It’s always great to spend quality time with the people you care for and learning more about them over delicious food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I can’t wait to see everyone again and find out just how much they’ve changed over the last few years!
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that they’ll be surprised to see me. Recently, I got a male facelift to look younger and refreshed, and none of them know! When they see me, they just might think that I took a sip from the fountain of youth. How flattering!
